CLU loses in Elite Eight

Cal Lutheran's first trip back to the Elite Eight since 2006 was cut short by Wittenberg on Friday night as the Regals fell to the Tigers 25-17, 25-15, 25-12.

Wittenberg was playing its first match after knocking off then-undefeated and nation's top-ranked squad Calvin in the regional final less than a week ago. On Friday, the Tigers advanced to the Final Four after hitting .451 as a team and committing just two errors, while the Regals hit .168 with 17 errors.

Cal Lutheran's outside hitters Casy McWhirk, Rachel Smith and Kylie McLogan received a majority of the sets and combined to put down 22 kills. Wittenberg's tough serving did not allow for the Regals to find middles Shannon Pearson and Lesley Smith at the same frequency as they had throughout the season.

Lesley Smith put down six kills on just 10 attempts while Pearson put down five kills on 12 swings. CLU's primary middles were fed the ball only 22 of the team's 101 swings.

Wittenberg was led by Kimmie Dyer, who led all players with 10 kills on just 18 attacks and completed her double-double with 10 digs.

Cal Lutheran finishes the season 29-6 while Wittenberg advances to play Eastern tonight.